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Assad forces strike back in Damascus as thousands flee

A vehicle loaded with equipment taken from government buildingsBulent Kilic/AFP/Getty Images

Syrian forces drove rebels from a central district of the capital, Damascus, yesterday in an attempt to regain control as President Assad’s grip on power appeared to be weakening elsewhere.

As the regime struggled for supremacy in what it called the “decisive battle” for the capital, fierce fighting was reported in Syria’s second city of Aleppo, which has previously been relatively peaceful. Opposition sources said that rebels had cut off main roads to the city. Video clips showed tanks on the streets, rebel gunmen shooting at government forces, and an imam holding an AK47 aloft in a crowded mosque in the Salahideen district as hundreds of followers cheered.

“Free Syrian Army units around the country are feeling empowered because of \. They feel more confident to…